Spiral aloe Aloe polyphylla
Spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asphodelaceae family, native to High basalt slopes of the Maloti Mountains, Lesotho. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 70 cm (28 in) apart.
Plan Spiral aloe in your garden →
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Spiral aloe at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 70 cm (28 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 261–521 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | High basalt slopes of the Maloti Mountains, Lesotho |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Spiral aloe toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: yellow latex under the leaf skin
Aloe latex (anthraquinones such as aloin) is a strong laxative: it causes vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. The clear inner gel is much milder.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Spiral aloe
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Spiral aloe
- How far apart should I plant Spiral aloe?
- About 70 cm (28 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Spiral aloe need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spiral aloe need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Spiral aloe?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Spiral aloe flower?
- About 261–521 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks.
- Is Spiral aloe poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Aloe latex (anthraquinones such as aloin) is a strong laxative: it causes vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. The clear inner gel is much milder.
- What grows well with Spiral aloe?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Spiral aloe. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
Notes and assumptions
- Mature rosettes form a perfect five-armed spiral of grey-green leaves, turning clockwise or anticlockwise. A high-mountain aloe that takes frost and snow but hates heat: it wants cool roots, water in summer and fast drainage, and dies in hot, humid lowland gardens. Protected; the national plant of Lesotho.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Daylily Hemerocallis fulva
- Red hot poker Kniphofia uvaria
- Aloe vera Aloe vera
- New Zealand flax Phormium tenax
- Quiver tree (kokerboom) Aloidendron dichotomum
- Bitter aloe (Cape aloe) Aloe ferox
- Grass tree (balga) Xanthorrhoea preissii
- Blue flax lily (paroo lily) Dianella caerulea